8 Epic Japan Hotels You Have To Visit For That Perfect Ski Holiday

Hotels in Japan for ski holidays

Each time we plan a trip to Japan, we automatically look to "popular" destinations like Osaka and Tokyo. Now that winter season is soon upon us, it’s time for other villages, towns, and cities - Niseko, Nagano, Hakuba, and Rusutsu - to take a slice of the spotlight away from their popular cousins as they magically transform into ski wonderlands.

If you’re thinking of a Ja-Pow trip this winter, get your travel buddies on board and check out these incredible ski resorts that’ll give you direct access to the slopes!

Niseko

1. The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Hokkaido

Located at the base of Mount Annupuri in Hokkaido, The Green Leaf Niseko Village has won the hearts of many due to its secluded and tranquil ambience. Digital addicts can enjoy the flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and iPod dock in their newly renovated rooms too.

Suggested Activities: Complimentary onsen and reindeer sledding

After a full day of sightseeing, there’s no better way to unwind than to soak yourself in the hotel’s outdoor onsen - the quintessential Japanese experience! If you’re a guest here, you’ll get to enjoy unlimited complimentary access to their onsen.

2. The Vale Niseko, Niseko

When it comes to a ski holiday, The Vale Niseko’s location is second to none. It’s so conveniently located that it's what skiers call a "ski-in ski-out". This means that you can get into gear before stepping into the lift, and start skiing down the slope the moment the doors open.

There’s also an in-house ski shop on the 1st floor of the building, so you won’t even have to step out of the hotel to get your ski equipment sorted out!

Suggested Activity: Make new friends at an outdoor heated pool

After a hard day on the slopes, you'll want to head straight into their communal outdoor heated pool for an evening dip before calling it a day. The Vale Niseko is popular ‘round Niseko and it gets pretty packed during winter - so take full advantage of this opportunity to make some like-minded friends!

3. Hotel Niseko Alpen, Niseko

Hotel Niseko Alpen’s ski-in ski-out feature makes this place a favourite amongst seasoned skiers. The Ace Squad Lift which takes you to Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort is only a one-minute walk from the hotel’s ski lockers.

Bonus: If you opt out of housekeeping and are okay with them just clearing out your trash and replacing your towels only, you’ll receive a complimentary ¥500 worth of voucher each day for you to purchase anything from the hotel’s gift shop.

Suggested Activity: Hot stone sauna session after a long day of skiing

After an exhausting day in the cold, it’s almost impossible to resist a 50-minute hot stone sauna session that is sure to leave your skin feeling baby soft after! Guests are entitled to discounts as well. Check prices here.

4. Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri, Niseko

Perched on the foot of An’nupuri Ski Resort, you can get everything you’ll ever need for a skiing sesh here at Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri - ski passes, rental, lessons, and of course, direct access to the slopes!

Suggested Activity: Ski down an actual Winter Olympic slope

Considering how comfy the rooms are, we don’t blame you for being tempted to coop yourself up all day - but, don’t miss out on snowboarding down the iconic Hakuba Happo-one’s ski slope aka the slope with the highest grade powder snow in the world!

Alternatively, skip the throng of skiers and join the Hakuba Snowshoe Tour, where you’ll be trekking through the winter landscape in your snowshoes and exploring parts of the forest that’re off limits during summer time!

Ladies, you’ll be thrilled to know that this resort also comes with its own shopping complex, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, and it’ll only take a 20-minute walk for you to get there. Look forward to shopping like there’s no tomorrow as they feature big-name brands like Marc Jacobs, Nike, Armani Factory Store, and Champion.

Suggested Activity: Ride a snow buggy

The wide slopes at this ski resort make the introduction to this winter sport a whole lot easier, a major plus point for beginners who haven’t tried their hand at skiing.

And if you’ve mastered the art of skiing, try out the different activities they offer and hop onto a snow buggy as you ride up to the summit for ¥16,000 - it’s almost like riding an ATV, except in snow!

Not only is this holiday resort known for its sizeable rooms, they’ve also been lauded for their impeccable service. You’ll find yourself munching non-stop while you lounge in the lobby area as they’re known for giving out complimentary wine, tea, and snacks.

Suggested Activity: Different difficulty levels for all levels of skiers

Rusutsu

8. The Westin Rusutsu Resort, Rusutsu

The Westin Rusutsu Resort is well-known for its amusement park which is only a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Even though the park isn’t open during winter, worrying about being bored out of your wits should be the last thing on your mind as winter activities are still aplenty!

Suggested Activity: Freestyle on a ski slope or take a gondola ride overlooking Mount Yotei

Rusutsu Resort’s Freedom Park

While there, look forward to perfecting your freestyle skiing skills at 2 terrain parks - Side Country Park and Freedom Park - as you snowboard down a course with a variety of obstacles including rails, jumps, and other terrain park features.

If you’re pining for a more laidback time to snap some shots, take a scenic gondola ride to see Hokkaido’s most breathtaking views in all its glory - Lake Tōya, the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Mount Yotei. Check ticket prices here.

‘Tis the season to ski in Japan

Thanks to The Land of the Rising Sun, going for a ski holiday in Asia no longer seems like an impossible feat. No matter which hotel you decide to settle on, these holiday resorts tend to book out in advance - so now’s the best time to release the inner kiasu aunty in you and book your trip ASAP!

With over a million choices of flights and hotels, and zero cancellation fees for almost any hotel reservation on Expedia.com.sg, planning a winter holiday itinerary has never been made easier. This travel site lets you compare the prices of over a million hotels, making it really handy especially for those who’re guilty of planning their holiday at the eleventh hour.